Pontiac Torrent vs. Ford Escape Hybrid Review

Utility
The Ford Escape Hybrid and the Torrent can accommodate the same number of passengers. The Pontiac Torrent outpulls the Ford Escape Hybrid by a large margin.

Performance
With respect to horsepower, the Pontiac packs quite a punch and will knock the Ford Escape Hybrid down a few rungs. On the other hand, bear in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Pontiac than the Escape Hybrid because of its bigger tank. The Ford and the Pontiac compete for the same parking spaces. The Ford Escape Hybrid's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more agile feel in daily traffic than the Torrent.

Convenience
The Pontiac Torrent's fuel tank will need to be replenished more often than the unit in the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs roughly the same to get the Pontiac Torrent to the dealership as the Ford Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid will save you money at the pump compared to the Pontiac. Producing a precise gas mileage evaluation is so difficult that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though the Ford Escape Hybrid is the winner regarding gas mileage. The Escape Hybrid isn't much pricier than the Pontiac Torrent in terms of MSRP. The Pontiac will cost you a bundle in gasoline every year compared to the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Handling
With its tighter turning radius, the Ford is quite certainly nimbler than the Pontiac Torrent, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; however, bear in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Pontiac's engine is considerably larger than the Ford Escape Hybrid's. Bear in mind that larger engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones. The Ford Escape Hybrid could learn a lesson or two from the Torrent as far as pickup.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Pontiac Torrent offers a bit more head room than the Ford, there really isn't much of a difference. The ampler interior dimensions of the Torrent make it significantly roomier for your passengers than the Ford Escape Hybrid.

Warranty
The Pontiac Torrent and the Ford Escape Hybrid have the same basic warranty.